We often hear in the news that our public schools are failing our children. The Book Buddy program is one small step in addressing the needs of our underserved youth in San Francisco. We provide books for students in multiple public elementary schools to read and keep for the start of their own personal home library. Each donor, an adult who contributes $40, is paired with a student. Every time that student reads a new book, s/he will correspond with their adult buddy. Adults write back to their student partners and the relationship begins. At the end of the year, Book Buddies sponsors a party for the partners to meet. We are always looking for more adults!

If interested please contact Sandy Rechtschaffen, Social Justice Coordinator, at sandyr@emanuelsf.org

Dear Book Buddies,

On behalf of our third grade learning community at Sanchez Elementary School, I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to accompany us to Books Inc. It was a truly memorable experience for every child to receive individualized attention and care in selecting a book and an absolute joy to feel the overwhelming love of reading by children and adults alike.

On our walk back to school, one of the students asked me what the difference between a library and a bookstore was. When I explained that books are purchased at stores rather than borrowed, he didn't quite comprehend what I was saying. When we returned to the classroom, he asked me to explain once more. It was as if a light bulb lit up and a bright smile spread across his face. "You mean I can keep this book?" When I clarified this information to the entire class, 20 beaming eightyear- olds could barely contain their excitement. They finally understood that through your generous donation, they were able to select a book to keep forever.

The students quickly found a quiet spot, opened their new books, and read for the rest of the afternoon. By 3:30, word had spread throughout Sanchez that the students in Room 14 had amazing (adult) Book Buddies who took them on an unforgettable field trip!

Thank you,
Aya Sugano

P.S. We missed many of you and look forward to meeting you at the Temple on June 2!

YEAR-END BOOK BUDDY PARTIES

Village Project Friday Marcus Book Store 1712 Fillmore	Friday, May 2	4:30 - 6:00 pm
Dr. William Cobb 2725 California Street	Tuesday, May 20	1:30 - 2:40 pm
Paul Revere 555 Tompkins Avenue	Wednesday, May 28	1:00 - 2:00 pm
Sanchez (at Temple) Two Lake Street, Guild Hall	Monday, June 2	12:00 - 1:00pm
Starr King 1215 Carolina Street	Thursday, June 5	1:00-2:00pm